East Lansing's Cam Hutson takes a turn at cutting down the net Wednesday, March 19, 2025, during an event held celebrating the team's MHSAA Division 1 state championship win. (Brian Wells for ELi)

View the Scenes of Celebration After ELHS Basketball Wins State Title and Read Mayor George Brookover’s Letter to the Team

The following is a letter written by East Lansing Mayor George Brookover that was sent to ELHS boys basketball coach Ray Mitchell and school officials. The letter was sent Tuesday, March 18, days after the Trojans captured the school’s first boys basketball state title since 1958. 

The letter, which Brookover shared with ELi, reads as follows:

  • East Lansing head basketball coach Ray Mitchell smiles and looks at one of the school’s nets after it was cut down during an event Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • East Lansing’s JL Branson signs an autograph for a fan during an event Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • Members of the East Lansing High School basketball team take turns cutting down the nets in the school’s gym Wednesday, March 19, 2025, during an event held to celebrate the team’s MHSAA Division 1 state championship win. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • Members of the East Lansing High School basketball team take turns cutting down the nets in the school’s gym Wednesday, March 19, 2025, during an event held to celebrate the team’s MHSAA Division 1 state championship win. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • East Lansing’s KT Thomas holds the net above his head after cutting off during an event Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • A banner celebrating the East Lansing High School basketball team’s MHSAA Division 1 state championship win was unveiled during an event Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • A banner celebrating the East Lansing High School basketball team’s MHSAA Division 1 state championship win was unveiled during an event Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • A banner celebrating the East Lansing High School basketball team’s MHSAA Division 1 state championship win was unveiled during an event Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • East Lansing’s Cam Hutson takes a turn at cutting down the net Wednesday, March 19, 2025, during an event held celebrating the team’s MHSAA Division 1 state championship win. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • Members of the East Lansing High School basketball team take turns cutting down the nets in the school’s gym Wednesday, March 19, 2025, during an event held to celebrate the team’s MHSAA Division 1 state championship win. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • A banner celebrating the East Lansing High School sports teams hangs on the wall in the school’s gym. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • The East Lansing High School dance team performs during a celebration Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the school. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • East Lansing’s Cam Hutson takes a turn at cutting down the net Wednesday, March 19, 2025, during an event held celebrating the team’s MHSAA Division 1 state championship win. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • During an event celebrating the team’s MHSAA Division 1 state championship win, special T-shirts celebrating the team were sold. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • East Lansing’s KT Thomas signs an autograph for a young fan during an event Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • East Lansing’s JK Torbert (left), JL Branson (center) and Ben Fletcher sign autographs for fans during an event Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Brian Wells for ELi)
  • Trophies and plaques won by the East Lansing High School basketball team are displayed in the school’s student union during an event Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Brian Wells for ELi)

Dear Coach Mitchell and Team Members: 

On behalf of the entire City of East Lansing, I want to congratulate you on the Division 1 High School Boys Basketball State Championship which you captured on Saturday, March 15, 2025. 

Your effort, hard work, spirit and teamwork are an example to our entire City. When we do things together, good things can often happen. 

As you all have made clear in your public comments, you were reminded of your goal by the presence of the 1958 Class B Boys Basketball State Championship banner which hangs in the East Lansing High School gym. 

As a graduate of your high school, I can attest to the significance of that banner. 

As you proceed in your education and possible future athletic pursuits, please take continuing pride that your State Championship banner will now also hang in that gym. 

Its presence will remind generations of East Lansing High School students of your achievements. More importantly, it will remind those who come after you that working towards high goals is never a mistake. 

Very truly yours,

George M. Brookover